Williams Hill

View of Williams Hill across Lucas Valley

General Information: Located in southern Monterey County, and standing over 2,700 feet in elevation, Williams Hill offers great views of the surrounding Salinas Valley. Pine trees, chamise, scrub oak, and impressive shale formations characterize the hilly terrain.

Camping: Williams Hill features newly constructed campsites which are equipped with level RV pads, fire rings, shade structures, picnic benches, vault toilets, and a kiosk providing an interpretive panel, a map, and information about the area. Although no reservations or fees are required, there is a 14 day camping limit within any 28-day period. There is no electricity, running water, or trash collection at the campsites. Please utilize good camping ethics, and remember to pack out your garbage when you leave.

Dispersed camping is also available at Williams Hill, although there is no camping within 200 yards of any wildlife watering improvement. You must park within 15 feet (roughly one vehicle length) of any roadway when camping or leaving a vehicle unattended to minimize habitat and vegetation impacts. Please remember to bring a shovel with you for both personal sanitation and fire prevention purposes.

Hiking Trails: None developed.

Hunting Opportunities: Good for deer, wild pig, upland game birds, other small game and varmints.

View of communication towers on Williams Hill

Restrictions: Vehicle access is limited to the designated open routes. All vehicles including OHVs (Off-Highway Vehicles) are prohibited from cross-country travel - - OHV recreation is allowed but available route mileage is extremely limited (11 miles of graveled road); open routes are marked with brown, numbered fiberglass posts. No shooting within 150 yards of any developed area.

Directions: Primary access is from US Highway 101. Take the San Ardo exit and travel west onto Paris Valley Road, turn left onto Lockwood-San Ardo Road. The public lands boundary begins approximately 5 miles down the road from the Lockwood-San Ardo Road turnoff. Once at Williams Hill, the campground can be reached by turning onto road W1 and heading south.